Led by a Dixieland jazz band as the black hearse made its way to the museum honouring his career, the crowd gathered on the city's Beale Street, which synonymous with the blues and rocl k 'n' roll.

Behind the Memphis-based Mighty Souls Brass Band and just ahead of the hearse, drummer Rodd Bland - son of the late blues singer Bobby "Blue" Bland - carried one of King's signature Lucille guitars.

Fans try to catch a glimpse of the casket as a hearse carrying the remains of blues musician B.B. King drives on Beale Street during a processional in Memphis,Tennessee (Image: Getty)

The huge crowd filled Beale Street to pay tribute and later spilled down side streets as onlookers pressed in, taking pictures on their mobile phones.

"This is history," said Detroit resident Mary Springfield, standing at Beale and 3rd streets. "This is an awesome feeling. This is a legacy and I'm part of it today, and I'm blessed to be here." She had travelled to Memphis for the processional.